As August began, some of my classmates started holding graduation banquets.
These were usually for those who had performed exceptionally well, with parents organizing them grandly.
Invitations were sent to relatives, friends, classmates, and teachers, not only to celebrate admission to university but also to express gratitude for the teachers' guidance.
However, in recent years, many graduation banquets had been exploited by parents.
Some parents would host one regardless of their child's academic performance, even if they were only admitted to a vocational college, primarily for the gift money.
While they received a substantial amount of gift money, they failed to consider how embarrassing it would be for their own child.
With all relatives, friends, classmates, and teachers gathered, discussions about college entrance exam scores were inevitable at a graduation banquet.
This would be a major public humiliation for a student who performed poorly but was forced to be the protagonist at the banquet.
In Yucheng, the custom for graduation banquets was quite decent; parents would not stoop to losing face for money over a child's subpar performance.
For instance, Zhang Peng, though he had been admitted to an undergraduate program, a very good score for himself, his father did not plan to hold a graduation banquet for him.
Xia Nuannuan's graduation banquet was scheduled for August 15th.
She herself was rather reluctant to have one, but her father absolutely refused to agree.
With Old Xia's wealth, there was certainly no need to organize it for the sake of gift money. However, since his daughter had performed so well, he naturally couldn't miss the opportunity to show off.
Don't dismiss Jiang University as not being a top-tier university!
After all, among Old Xia's relatives and friends, no one had a child admitted to such a prestigious university.
Qin Tian also found an opportunity to suggest to his mother that they return to their hometown for his maternal grandparents to help organize his graduation banquet.
As it was his own flesh and blood, Tang Xiuxia immediately guessed her son's intentions and, after careful consideration, agreed.
Firstly, she was touched by her son's desire to bring her honor.
Secondly, she also wanted her elderly parents in their hometown, Qin Tian's maternal grandparents, to share in the joy and prestige.
After making the decision, mother and son quickly agreed on the date for the graduation banquet, setting it for August 20th.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was August 15th.
Xia Nuannuan's graduation banquet was held at Yucheng's finest hotel.
Not only that, but Old Xia also specially arranged for the transport of high-grade seafood ingredients, which were rare in Yucheng.
Crucially, Old Xia generously waived all gift money from relatives and friends, explicitly stating that anyone who brought gift money would be looked down upon by him and would not be allowed entry.
Qin Tian arrived at the hotel around ten-thirty and met up with Zhang Peng and others in the hotel lobby.
"Brother Tian, Brother Tian, what kind of business does Nuannuan's family have? The setup today is quite grand; I feel a bit nervous!"
Zhang Peng whispered.
The girls next to him, like Tian Jiajia, perked up their ears curiously.
Qin Tian did not hide anything, saying with a smile, "They are in the catering business. You can search for 'Dragon Palace Seafood' online to find out."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Peng and the others quickly took out their phones to search the keywords.
Soon, an expression of disbelief appeared on their faces.
"My goodness, I thought she was just a little rich girl, but it turns out she's a young lady from a wealthy family!"
Liao Juan exclaimed softly.
"Looking at the cars parked outside earlier, I had already guessed something,"
Class monitor Mu Nan said with emotion.
The others nodded in agreement, lost in thought.
Yucheng's finest hotel had been booked out for the day.
Outside the hotel, various luxury cars were already parked; any one of them was worth over a million, and judging by the license plates, many had specifically traveled from other provinces.
"You guys are already here!"
A familiar voice called out.
As they followed the sound and saw the approaching person, their faces lit up with surprise.
"Old Li, you're finally here. Without you holding down the fort, we didn't dare go up!"
Zhang Peng said with a laugh.
The person who arrived was none other than their tenth-grade homeroom teacher, Li Yanwang.
Old Li glared at him jokingly and asked expressionlessly, "What 'Old Li'? You've graduated, and you're becoming disrespectful, aren't you? Once a teacher, always a father, don't you understand?"
"Hehe... Teacher Li, why can't you take a joke!"
Zhang Peng said with a sly grin.
Qin Tian and the others greeted Old Li one after another.
Old Li had clearly also noticed the grandeur of the graduation banquet and curiously asked Qin Tian about Xia Nuannuan's family background.
Upon learning that this student's parent was a billionaire with billions in assets, a hint of nervousness flashed in the depths of Old Li's eyes.
Of course, Old Li maintained a composed demeanor, saying, "Let's go. Since we're all here, let's head up together!"
Everyone nodded in agreement and followed him towards the elevators.
"Brother Tian, look at the beauty over there."
Zhang Peng suddenly exclaimed, his eyes wide.
Everyone followed his gaze towards the hotel entrance. They saw a middle-aged man, dressed as a successful businessman with a bulging belly, being escorted by a much younger, beautiful woman as they entered the hotel.
"Isn't that the actress from that drama, what was it called!"
Cui Ying frowned in thought.
Qiu Man, standing beside her, her eyes brightening, mentioned the name of a drama.
Everyone instantly understood.
It was a very popular ancient costume palace drama from a couple of years ago, in which the woman played a significant supporting role.
They were surprised to see her in person.
"This is my first time seeing a celebrity!"
Zhang Peng said excitedly.
"Alright, stop looking!"
Old Li said sternly.
Everyone realized their behavior was impolite and immediately averted their gaze.
Coincidentally, the couple entered the elevator just a few steps behind them.
"Darling, what floor are we going to?"
The man turned his head to ask his companion.
"You're the one who suddenly asked me to come; how would I know!"
The woman replied nonchalantly, looking down at her phone.
She was in a rather bad mood.
She had thought she would never have to return to such a small place in her life, but she was forced to attend this graduation banquet.
"What do you mean?"
The man frowned and questioned.
The woman paused her finger scrolling on the phone, revealing a charming face as she looked at him.
"Honey, I was wrong, don't be angry. I was just chatting with my girlfriends!"
At this moment, the elevator doors closed.
Qin Tian had already pressed the floor number for the banquet hall, and the elevator slowly ascended.
Tian Jiajia and the other girls exchanged glances as they listened to the conversation between the two ahead.
"Excuse me, are you here for the graduation banquet?"
Qin Tian suddenly asked.
As his voice fell, everyone in the elevator turned their gaze towards him.
This included Li Yanwang, who had been gathering his thoughts and was about to speak but was preempted.